Finding my style has always been a battle for me. Whenever I try to place a name on my style I ask myself, “How can I define my style when I can’t even define myself as a person?!” Then I panic because I’m so all over the place. Well, good news! Your style does not need a name, category, genre, or stereotype. Your style doesn’t even need to be defined! Your style should be whatever you want or feel at that moment. If you feel like being especially comfortable then wear a maxi dress. If your feeling 60′s hippy, a kick ass pair of high-waisted bell bottoms will do the trick. Your style is for nobody but YOU, therefore you need to pride yourself on your style.
Since I’ve established that we’re not defining/labeling/naming your style, this post is simply here to help you become aware of the things that influence your style. Once you become aware of the elements that influence your style, it is easier to establish what’s for you and what’s not. You’ll be able to notice things (any things!) that truly stand out to you. You will be able to take your style to the next level. There are five creative elements that influence your style: inner vision, curiosity, inspiration, ability, and environment.
Inner vision is your monastery. In sum, it means being aware of the things around you and being willing to explore those things. If your trying to piece together an outfit, but something isn’t settling with you well, that’s inner vision (intuition?) tell you something is off. Trust it! The most important thing to remember about inner vision: it is not about doing, but it is about being. Curiosity is super important because it directly effects your inner vision. Whether it is intuition, imagination, or maybe even boredom, asking questions and digging deeper about anything and everything could possibly lead to another idea that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Let’s say you have always wanted to try a specific look, but don’t know if you can pull it off. Try it with an opened mind. Think of it as research, and challenge yourself!
Inspiration comes in many, many forms. There is no right or wrong to inspiration. For me, I find inspiration from blogs and conversations with wise people. I have to gear inspirations from museums and galleries into a different, more fashioned channel, therefore I have to push myself a little further. Keep track of your inspirations! No matter how you save your inspirations (via computers, collages, notebooks), it is super important. What inspires you allows you to form a concept of the intended result. Ability is the next style element. I definitely wish we all had access to every every designer showroom. But the reality is, we don’t. Ability means what garments you physically have and mentally what you are able to do with them. This is where it can get tricky. You may have tons of inspiration and vision in your head, but you do not have the ability and resources to do it. One resolution to that, get CREATIVE and start IMPROVISING! Environment ties into your ability. Your environment is a product of every situation or experience you’ve one had. It is very important to be aware of your environment because that’s where you will be exposed to certain thinks which will lead to curiosity and inspiration. Focusing on your environment gives you a sense of what your style may already be like.
Don’t be afraid! And be aware! Remember that your style is for nobody but YOU!
I appreciate you,
Tessa.
